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Resolute workers stand firm on refusing pension cuts

OTTAWA, Feb. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Workers at Resolute Forest Products mills
in Ontario and Quebec today demanded that Quebec's pension regulator,
the Régie des rentes, and the company reach an agreement to resolve the
solvency deficit in the pension plan without any cuts to benefits.

"The company and the Régie must work out a plan in the coming weeks to
solve the funding problem for the pension plan. Our members sent a
strong message today that we will not agree to any cuts in pension
benefits," said Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union President
Dave Coles.

Under the terms of an agreement with the Régie des rentes, the company
is obligated to increase its special payments after the solvency ratio
for the plan fell in 2011. The company and the pension regulator are
currently holding discussions on "corrective measures" to cover a more
than $500 million additional deficit, on top of the $1.3 billion
pension deficit that the former AbitibiBowater owed when it emerged
from bankruptcy protection in 2010.

"The company and the Régie must remember that workers gave up wages and
benefits on the understanding that the company would be responsible for
the traditional plan without cuts to benefits," said Coles." And we
also established a new pension plan for the future which eliminates any
risk for the company.

"Resolute and the Régie both have a responsibility now to find a
solution that maintains the long-term commitments to our members and
retirees."